Should You Accelerate or Decelerate When Driving Through Puddles?
3 Answers
Decelerate when driving through puddles. Here are some relevant tips for novice drivers: Skills and mentality: Skills require practice - find a less crowded area to practice more. Mentally, you need to transition from the mindset used during the third driving test to actual road driving. Driving during the third test is completely different from driving after obtaining your license. During the third test, you're driving a training vehicle; other drivers will actively give way when they see a training car, and fellow trainees will maintain safe distances because they know you might stop at any moment. Displaying the 'L-plate': However, when driving a private car after getting your license, other drivers won't be as courteous. At this point, you need to display the 'L-plate' in the appropriate position on your car to let others know you're a beginner, which is safer.
When driving through puddles, I strongly recommend slowing down to pass safely. The depth of puddles is unpredictable, and sudden acceleration may cause water to be sucked into the engine intake, leading to engine stalling or internal damage, which can be costly to repair. Additionally, the water surface is slippery, increasing the risk of tire skidding. Passing at high speed can easily lead to loss of control. Slow down and proceed steadily at around 20 km/h to maintain grip and avoid hydroplaning accidents. Also, consider pedestrian safety—accelerating and splashing water onto others is very uncivilized. Rainy road conditions are already complex, so taking a few extra seconds to pass safely is much better than taking risks. Developing this habit can protect your car and extend its lifespan, ensuring a smooth and safe drive for everyone.
When I first started driving, I would always hesitate when encountering puddles. Later, I learned from experienced drivers that slowing down is the golden rule. Accelerating through puddles can cause the car to hydroplane, especially dangerous for beginners who may not have stable control. The bottom of puddles might hide rocks or potholes that could suddenly jolt and damage the undercarriage. Slowing down in advance helps maintain steady steering and avoids risks like sudden swerving or brake failure. Plus, splashing water can obstruct the windshield, impairing visibility—hardly worth the trouble. Now, every time I drive in the rain, I observe road conditions early, slow down, and transition smoothly for a stress-free ride. Learning driving techniques step by step with safety as the top priority is key.
